2023 was a year of student success, important initiatives and new leadership at University Canada West. Here’s a look back at some of the highlights from the last 12 months.
UCW finishes fourth at National MBA Games
University Canada West finished fourth at the 2023 MBA Games held at York University in Toronto on January 6-8.
The UCW team tied for first place in the spirit category and finished eighth in the academic case and sports competitions. It was an impressive feat for UCW’s debut at the national games and a sign of things to come.
Professor wins ACBSP Teaching Excellence Award
University Canada West Assistant Professor Dr. Mokhtar Tabari was honoured as an ACBSP Teaching Excellence Award regional recipient. Dr. Tabari in the MBA Department of Quantitative Studies was selected as a regional Baccalaureate/Graduate Degree Award Recipient and received the honour at the ACBSP Conference 2023 in Chicago.
UCW becomes ambassador campus for Moose Hide Campaign
UCW was named an Ambassador Campus with the Indigenous-led Moose Hide Campaign, the BC-born national movement to engage men and boys in ending violence towards women and children. By becoming a Moose Hide Ambassador Campus, UCW recognizes the need for safe post-secondary campuses and pledges to provide secure spaces for its students and their communities.
UCW establishes Fulbright Canada partnership
University Canada West announced a partnership with Fulbright Canada, the leader in public diplomacy and academic exchange, to establish a Fulbright Canada Research Chair at UCW.
The University will host a Fulbright Canada Research Chair, a US scholar, who will carry out research, offer guest lectures, collaborate with colleagues and generally participate in the UCW community. Through this agreement, UCW and Fulbright aim to enhance the mutual understanding between the people of Canada and the people of the United States of America by providing support to outstanding individuals.
UCW hosts Summer Convocation
Almost 2,000 students graduated at UCW’s Summer 2023 Convocation held on July 20 and 21 at Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
Four ceremonies were held in downtown Vancouver, where family and friends from around the world came together to celebrate the students’ dedication and perseverance in earning their Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication and Associate of Arts degrees.
MBA graduate Micaela Del Rosario Maglalang was University Canada West’s Summer 2023 valedictorian.
“University Canada West has taught us that with the right support and environment, anyone can transcend expectations,” she told graduates. “True intelligence flourishes when nurtured! Anyone can rise to remarkable heights when fostered in an inclusive atmosphere where potential knows no limits. The initiatives of UCW have helped instill the important values of respect and the celebration of diversity.”
That’s Boss video wins two awards
UCW was recognized as a Platinum Winner in the MarCom Award’s Advertising/Marketing | Online | Video Ad category for its That’s Boss, That’s UCW video, competing against large international creative agencies and Fortune 500 companies. In October, UCW also won a MUSE Creative Award for the video, which was created in collaboration with Victoria-based Riptide Studios.
New president, vice-chancellor
University Canada West officially installed Dr. Bashir Makhoul as President and Vice-Chancellor during Fall 2023 Convocation. He comes to UCW following a 6.5-year term as President and Vice-Chancellor at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) in the United Kingdom, where he spearheaded the creation of the UK’s first Business School for the Creative Industries.
“I envision UCW as a distinctive, specialist university with a robust local, national and international profile,” Dr. Makhoul said. “A university that fosters dynamic relationships with partner institutions around the world, offering students a world-class education and access to a global context of business, research, creativity and technology.”
UCW bids farewell to Sheldon Levy
Outgoing President and Vice-Chancellor Sheldon Levy concluded his tenure at the University. President Levy joined UCW in September 2021 as Interim President and Vice-Chancellor and led the University with his wealth of experience and an impressive track record of leadership.
UCW grew under President Levy’s leadership, with a student population reaching 14,500 students from more than 110 countries. Under his leadership, there were new opportunities for students, including the MBA Games. In addition, important strides were made in the Indigenization of our curricula.
President Levy returned to his home province of Ontario and has turned his attention to other projects.
Record graduating class at Fall Convocation
More than 2,500 students graduated during UCW’s Fall 2023 Convocation at Queen Elizabeth Theatre. It was the largest graduating class in UCW’s history, held over six ceremonies on October 23, 24 and 25.
Students were joined by family and friends, UCW faculty and staff, and dignitaries for the ceremonies to celebrate graduates representing 77 different countries.
“We are privileged to have earned a university degree and now we are responsible for making a difference and making our world and communities a better place,” said Ana Ponce Rodriguez, UCW’s Fall 2023 Valedictorian. “Let’s find our purpose and leave our mark. Let’s put our passion into everything we do.”
Sam Sullivan receives Honorary Doctorate
Sam Sullivan, former Mayor of Vancouver and a well-known advocate for people with disabilities, received an Honorary Doctorate from University Canada West during Fall Convocation on October 24. He founded the Sam Sullivan Disability Foundation, which has raised $20 million and supported quality-of-life initiatives like sailing, kayaking, wilderness hiking, music creation, gardening and providing custom assistive devices for 10,000 people with disabilities.
Professors honoured by UCW
University Canada West honoured professors Dr. Mehdi Akhgari and Dr. William Rubel with Sustained Teaching Excellence Awards at its Fall 2023 Convocation. Dr. Akhgari is an Associate Professor who brings industry experience to UCW and his students through various leadership roles that include strategic planning, marketing, incorporation and operations, and Dr. Rubel is an Assistant Professor at UCW with an extensive background in English and Philosophy.
UCW established the Teaching and Learning Excellence Awards to recognize outstanding faculty and staff.
UCW wins 2023 BC MBA Games
UCW was the top team at the 2023 BC MBA Games. The 2023 edition of this prestigious event was held from December 1 to 3 at the SFU Beedie School of Business in downtown Vancouver. The competition featured some of BC’s top business schools vying for the coveted BC MBA Games trophy, including last year’s winning school, Simon Fraser University.
This year, UCW claimed the top spot in all three categories – Sports, Spirit and Case Study. As the winning school, UCW will host the 2024 BC MBA Games.
Published on December 27, 2023.
